After a few really long runs under my belt, I have gotten better at handling the *boredom factor*. I list a few top things that make the long runs workable, especially for me as I run solo: 
1) Carry a fresh supply of running podcasts. These are lifesavers. While I occasionally listen to music, the music does not get me through a long run. The running podcasts do! I really appreciate the efforts of those making the podcasts and occasionally extend a note of "Thanks" on Twitter. 2) Choose a different route each week. For the last two long runs, I chose routes after looking on Google Earth and just measuring some distances from one road to the next. Yesterday's route is shown in this picture. I drove a couple miles from my house to a local school and went out and back. I purposely chose roads that were not heavily traveled and I made sure I had an ample mix of dirt roads. For this 20 mile route, about half the miles were asphalt (some quite rough, though) and half on dirt roads (a bit sandy or muddy at times). I am sure if I run the same route next week, it would again become a boredom issue. So, I have already begun to scan Google Earth for possibilities.
3) Carry a fuel belt with Gatorade, GU Chomps, Bandaids, and Toilet Paper. These need no explanation, but I should explain a little. Prior to carrying the belt, I would choose routes that required me to come by my vehicle every few miles to replenish. I also wanted to make sure there was a decent bathroom available within reason. As a result, my routes were in more commercialized areas. With the fuel belt, I no longer worry about hydration and energy, and my chosen routes offer many wooded areas to sneak a potty break. So, that's about it! In three easy steps, I have overcome the long run boredom. I look forward to my next route and don't mind driving a few miles to start it off in a very different location. I have only one more 20 mile run to go, then it's two more weekends of tapering "long runs" before I take on my first marathon.
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